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What is Logistics?

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) defines logistics as that part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements. The UNT logistics program prepares you for employment in a large number of different positions and types of firms across the entire supply chain.

All of the activities involved in moving goods to the right place at the right time (as opposed to manufacturing them) can be described under the broad terms, "logistics" or "distribution." The act of supervising or managing this far-reaching activity is generally known as "logistics management" or "distribution management." Those persons who work in this industry are generally referred to as "logistics managers" or "distribution managers."

The components of a typical logistics system are: customer service, demand forecasting, distribution communications, inventory control, material handling, order processing, parts and service support, plant and warehouse site selection (location analysis), purchasing, packaging, returned goods handling, salvage and scrap disposal, traffic and transportation, and warehousing and storage. A position in a small company may involve all of these, while working for a large corporation may entail being involved with only one or a few of these areas. In some organizations, a logistics manager may have responsibilities that go beyond this list.

Where The Jobs Are

The field of logistics is so large that almost any business organization may be viewed as a potential employer of the logistics manager. Remember, any company that is involved in the movement of a product is involved with the logistics function. Service firms rely upon many logistics functions, as well.

Possible Employers

The type of businesses and organizations that are most likely to employ logistics managers are:

Manufacturing firms

Merchandising firms

Transportation firms

Public warehouses

Material handling, equipment manufacturers and dealers

Consulting firms

Universities (professors/instructors)

Print media (publishers/editors)

Communications

Government/military

Software/computer service firms

Management/executive recruiting firms

Wholesale distributors

Telecommunications and other service firms

Retail Firms

Career Paths

Logistics offers a wide variety of functional areas as possible directions for career seekers. Some of these are:

Logistics or distribution planning

Traffic or transportation management

Material handling operations

Customer service

Management information system planning or control

Purchasing and materials management

Marketing and sales activities

Education, training and/or teaching

Finance/accounting

Logistics or distribution management

Warehouse operations or management

Packaging

Inventory planning or control activities

Production and operations

General management

Internal consulting and/or corporate research

Salaries

As a graduating senior, you can expect entry level salaries to range from $36,000 to over $55,000 a year. Variables which will affect your beginning salary level include geographic region, educational background, the general state of the economy, the supply of graduates available, related experience, internship, and, last but not least, the ability to "sell" yourself.

Logistics Program/Curriculum

Logistics management is quickly becoming one of the most crucial areas of growth in companies throughout Texas and the United States. NAFTA, Alliance Airport, Love Field and the expansion of D/FW International Airport make the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex a major force in the logistics field. Texas boasts the nation's largest road network with eight interstate highways and more than 300,000 miles of roadways. An outstanding highway infrastructure makes the metroplex tops in trucking: over 500 motor carriers operate out of the area. Seven of the nation's top freight rail lines operate in the metroplex. When it comes to distribution, transportation, and logistics services, the D/FW metroplex takes a back seat to none.

The D/FW Roundtable of the CSCMP, the North Texas Commission Logistics Committee, and numerous companies were consulted in the development of the program. These organizations have committed to provide support for student scholarships, faculty development, internships, field projects, and job placement for graduates.

The professional field in Logistics consists of 33 hours of course work, including an internship. Some required logistics professional field courses include (but are not limited to):

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Global Alliances and International Supply Chain Management

Business Transportation Management

Operations Management

Students are required to select 6 hours of approved upper level logistics or business courses as supporting courses. Students are encouraged to select courses that strengthen a career focus.